NDC Dismisses Rigging Allegations, Begins Reconciliation

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) commenced a reconciliation process aimed at resolving complaints arising from its primary elections held across the country last weekend.

The decision was reached at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as part of efforts to unite aggrieved members and address concerns raised over the conduct of the primaries.

Some aspirants had criticised the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly primaries, alleging irregularities, manipulation and the imposition of candidates. They also claimed that the process had triggered internal disagreements within the party.

However, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC rejected the allegations and defended the conduct of the nationwide primaries.

According to the party, claims that the elections were characterised by irregularities and candidate imposition were false and largely driven by a misunderstanding of the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as what it described as deliberate attempts to undermine its growing influence.

The NDC said it adopted a consensus-building approach that emphasised stakeholder consultations and internal dialogue to minimise disputes and strengthen party cohesion.

It explained that in the South-East, caucus leaders and political stakeholders were tasked with coordinating consultations and making recommendations based on the political realities of their respective states.

The party identified the South-East caucus leaders as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu for Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo for Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa for Imo State. Activities in Anambra State, it said, were coordinated by the political structure of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Enekweizu maintained that aspirants dissatisfied with recommendations made by caucus leaders or stakeholders were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” he stated.

He added that all aspirants were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their states, stressing that the process was conducted without bias.

The party also highlighted its affirmative action policy, which encourages greater participation of women in elective positions, while noting its commitment to supporting serving lawmakers seeking re-election.

According to the statement, reports of aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates, as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process, had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for resolution.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion and the continued growth of our party,” the statement said.

The party explained that throughout the nomination process, aspirants and stakeholders were consistently referred to their respective state caucus leaders for guidance and conflict resolution.

Enekweizu said the NDC’s role had been to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and direct them to engage with established leadership structures.

He described the approach as a reflection of the party’s commitment to consultation, internal democracy and collective progress.

The NDC also noted that since receiving its certificate of registration on February 5, 2026, it had established party structures from the ward to the national level, held two NEC meetings and conducted nationwide primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.

The party further claimed that, based on its representation in the National Assembly, it has emerged as the second-largest political party in the country.